The Crabby Cook - by Jessica Harper

If your Salad Hands are making you feel like Wolverine (to read the back story on that peculiar thought, click here) I suggest you stoke that fantasy and make a salad in his honor. And if you really believe, who knows, maybe Hugh Jackman will show up for dinner. (Sigh.)

1. In a bowl large enough to hold the chicken, mix together the lemon juice, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a little pepper (maybe four twists of the mill). Place the chicken in the marinade and set aside.

2. In a vegetable steamer, steam the asparagus over boiling, salted water until just tender, about 3 minutes. Rinse the asparagus briefly in cold water and place it on paper towels to dry and cool.

3. Sprinkle the stea

k liberally with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add the steak and sear it for a minute on each side. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for about five minutes on each side, for medium-rare. When the steak is done, cover it with foil and set it aside.

4. Wipe out the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and place it over medium-low heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook until it’s brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. When it’s done, remove it from the pan, cover it with foil and set it aside.

5. Meanwhile, make the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together the wine and balsamic vinegars with the mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Whisk in the oil in a slow stream until the dressing is emulsified. Set it aside.

6. Place the spinach (and or arugula), tomatoes, bell pepper, parsley and basil in a salad bowl. Toss the salad with some of the dressing, just enough to coat the greens nicely. Divide the salad between four plates. Place equal amounts of asparagus on the side of each plate and drizzle it with a little more dressing. Cut the steak and chicken into thin slices and arrange an equal amount on each plate. Serve immediately.